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Morabito LA, Corica D, Pepe G, Li Pomi A, Aversa T, Wasniewska MG. Critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI) in paediatric patients: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Ital J Pediatr 2024; 50:46. [PMID: 38462639 PMCID: PMC10926569 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-024-01616-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency or CIRCI is characterized by acute and life-threatening disfunction of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis observed among intensive care unit- staying patients.It is associated with increased circulating levels of biological markers of inflammation and coagulation, morbidity, length of ICU stay, and mortality.Several mechanisms are involved in CIRCI pathogenesis: reduced CRH-stimulated ACTH release, peripheral resistance to glucocorticoids, altered cortisol synthesis, impaired cortisol-free fraction and bioavailability.Diagnostic and therapeutic management of this condition in children is still debated, probably because of the lack of agreement among intensive care specialists and endocrinologists regarding diagnostic criteria and prevalence of CIRCI in paediatric age.In the present narrative review, we focused on definition of CIRCI in paediatric age and we advise on how to diagnose and treat this poorly understood condition, based on current literature data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letteria Anna Morabito
- Pediatric Unit, Maternal Infant Department, "Gaetano Martino" University Hospital, Via Consolare Valeria, 98122, Messina, Italy.
| | - Domenico Corica
- Pediatric Unit, Maternal Infant Department, "Gaetano Martino" University Hospital, Via Consolare Valeria, 98122, Messina, Italy
- Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giorgia Pepe
- Pediatric Unit, Maternal Infant Department, "Gaetano Martino" University Hospital, Via Consolare Valeria, 98122, Messina, Italy
- Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Alessandra Li Pomi
- Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Tommaso Aversa
- Pediatric Unit, Maternal Infant Department, "Gaetano Martino" University Hospital, Via Consolare Valeria, 98122, Messina, Italy
- Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Malgorzata Gabriela Wasniewska
- Pediatric Unit, Maternal Infant Department, "Gaetano Martino" University Hospital, Via Consolare Valeria, 98122, Messina, Italy
- Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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Vassiliadi DA, Vassiliou AG, Ilias I, Tsagarakis S, Kotanidou A, Dimopoulou I. Pituitary-Adrenal Responses and Glucocorticoid Receptor Expression in Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11473. [PMID: 34768903 PMCID: PMC8584241 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis was described as the principal component of the stress response 85 years ago, along with the acute-phase reaction, and the defense response at the tissue level. The orchestration of these processes is essential since systemic inflammation is a double-edged sword; whereas inflammation that is timely and of appropriate magnitude is beneficial, exuberant systemic inflammation incites tissue damage with potentially devastating consequences. Apart from its beneficial cardiovascular and metabolic effects, cortisol exerts a significant immunoregulatory role, a major attribute being that it restrains the excessive inflammatory reaction, thereby preventing unwanted tissue damage. In this review, we will discuss the role of the HPA axis in the normal stress response and in critical illness, especially in critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Finally, a chapter will be dedicated to the findings from clinical studies in critical illness and COVID-19 on the expression of the mediator of glucocorticoid actions, the glucocorticoid receptor (GCR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitra A. Vassiliadi
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, National Expertise Centre for Rare Endocrine Diseases, Evangelismos Hospital, 106 76 Athens, Greece; (D.A.V.); (S.T.)
| | - Alice G. Vassiliou
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, School of Medicine, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Evangelismos Hospital, 106 76 Athens, Greece; (A.G.V.); (A.K.)
| | - Ioannis Ilias
- Department of Endocrinology, Helena Venizelos Hospital, 115 21 Athens, Greece;
| | - Stylianos Tsagarakis
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, National Expertise Centre for Rare Endocrine Diseases, Evangelismos Hospital, 106 76 Athens, Greece; (D.A.V.); (S.T.)
| | - Anastasia Kotanidou
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, School of Medicine, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Evangelismos Hospital, 106 76 Athens, Greece; (A.G.V.); (A.K.)
| | - Ioanna Dimopoulou
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, School of Medicine, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Evangelismos Hospital, 106 76 Athens, Greece; (A.G.V.); (A.K.)
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Dineen R, Thompson CJ, Sherlock M. Adrenal crisis: prevention and management in adult patients. Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab 2019; 10:2042018819848218. [PMID: 31223468 PMCID: PMC6566489 DOI: 10.1177/2042018819848218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Adrenal crisis is an acute life-threatening emergency contributing to the excess mortality that is reported in patients with adrenal insufficiency. The incidence of adrenal crisis is estimated to be 8 per 100 patient years in patients with adrenal insufficiency. Patients with adrenal crisis present systemically unwell with nonspecific signs and symptoms often leading to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. An adrenal crisis may be the first presentation of adrenal insufficiency or can occur in patients who have been established on glucocorticoid replacement therapy. Infections are the major precipitating factor, but other causes include physical stress such as a surgical procedure or trauma, forgetting or discontinuing glucocorticoid therapy, pronounced physical activity, and psychological stress. The emergency treatment involves prompt recognition and administration of parenteral hydrocortisone, rehydration and management of electrolyte abnormalities. Prevention is centred around patient education. All patients should be educated on stress dosing and parenteral glucocorticoid administration. They should carry a steroid dependency alert card and wear a medical alert bracelet or similar identification. Despite many improvements in the management of patients with adrenal insufficiency, adrenal crisis continues to occur and represents a major source of morbidity, mortality and distress for patients. Improved patient and clinician education and measures to facilitate parenteral hydrocortisone self-administration in impending crisis are central to the management of this life-threatening event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary Dineen
- Academic Department of Endocrinology, Beaumont Hospital and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Christopher J Thompson
- Academic Department of Endocrinology, Beaumont Hospital and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
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Chang HY, Li F, Li FS, Zheng CZ, Lei YZ, Wang J. Genetic Polymorphisms of SP-A, SP-B, and SP-D and Risk of Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Preterm Neonates. Med Sci Monit 2016; 22:5091-5100. [PMID: 28011976 PMCID: PMC5207009 DOI: 10.12659/msm.898553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background We examined selected polymorphisms in 3 pulmonary surfactant-associated proteins (SP) for their influence on serum SP levels and risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm neonates. Material/Methods Premature infants from a Han population were enrolled, including 100 premature infants with RDS (case group) and 120 premature infants without RDS (control group). SNP genotyping for SP-A (+186A/G and +655C/T), SP-B (−18A/C and 1580C/T), and SP-D (Met11ThrT/C and Ala160ThrG/A) used polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Haplotypes were calculated with Shesis software and serum SP-A/B/D levels were quantified by ELISA. Results Case and control groups exhibited significant differences in genotype and allele frequencies of SP-A (+186A/G, +655C/T) and SP-B (1580C/T). However, no statistically significant differences were observed in the allele and genotype frequencies of SP-B −18A/C, SP-D Met11ThrT/C, and SP-D Ala160ThrG/A. Importantly, serum SP-A and SP-B levels were reduced in RDS patients carrying SP-A (+186A/G, +655C/T) and SP-B (1580C/T) polymorphisms. AA genotype of +186A/G, SP-A level, and CC genotype of 1580C/T were independently correlated with increased RDS risk. Conclusions SP-A (+186A/G) and SP-B (1580C/T) polymorphisms are strongly associated with the risk of RDS in preterm infants. Notably, reduced serum SP-A levels were correlated with a high risk of RDS and may serve as novel biomarkers for RDS detection and monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yu Chang
- Department of Pediatrics, The General Hospital of the PLA Rocket Force, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Pediatrics, The General Hospital of the PLA Rocket Force, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Feng-Sheng Li
- Central Laboratory, The General Hospital of the PLA Rocket Force, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Cheng-Zhong Zheng
- Department of Pediatrics, The 306 Hospital of PLA, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Yan-Zhe Lei
- Department of Neonatology, Haidian Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Neonatology, Nanjing Tongren Hospital, Nanjing, China (mainland)
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objectives of this review are to discuss the pathophysiology, clinical impact and treatment of hyperglycemia, and disturbances in thyroid and adrenal function prior to and following cardiac surgery in children. DATA SOURCE MEDLINE and PubMed. CONCLUSIONS Disturbances in glucose metabolism and thyroid and adrenal function are common in critically ill children with cardiac disease and in particular in children undergoing cardiac surgery for complex congenital heart disease. An understanding of the pathophysiology, clinical impact and treatment of these disturbances is essential for the management of these at risk patients.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES To characterize glucocorticoid receptor expression in peripheral WBCs of critically ill children using flow cytometry. DESIGN Prospective observational cohort. SETTING A university-affiliated, tertiary PICU. PATIENTS Fifty-two critically ill children. INTERVENTIONS Samples collected for measurement of glucocorticoid receptor expression and parallel cortisol levels. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Subjects with cardiovascular failure had significantly lower glucocorticoid receptor expression both in CD4 lymphocytes (mean fluorescence intensity, 522 [354-787] vs 830 [511-1,219]; p = 0.036) and CD8 lymphocytes (mean fluorescence intensity, 686 [350-835] vs 946 [558-1,511]; p = 0.019) compared with subjects without cardiovascular failure. Subjects in the upper 50th percentile of Pediatric Risk of Mortality III scores and organ failure also had significantly lower glucocorticoid receptor expression in CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes. There was no linear correlation between cortisol concentrations and glucocorticoid receptor expression. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that patients with shock and increased severity of illness have lower glucocorticoid receptor expression in CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes. Glucocorticoid receptor expression does not correlate well with cortisol levels. Future studies could focus on studying glucocorticoid receptor expression variability and isoform distribution in the pediatric critically ill population as well as on different strategies to optimize glucocorticoid response.
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Atkinson SJ, Wong HR. Identifying critically ill patients who may benefit from adjunctive corticosteroids: not as easy as we thought. Pediatr Crit Care Med 2014; 15:769-71. [PMID: 25280145 PMCID: PMC4187221 DOI: 10.1097/pcc.0000000000000203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J. Atkinson
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH,Division of Critical Care Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Hector R. Wong
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
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Myers B, McKlveen JM, Herman JP. Glucocorticoid actions on synapses, circuits, and behavior: implications for the energetics of stress. Front Neuroendocrinol 2014; 35:180-196. [PMID: 24361584 PMCID: PMC4422101 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2013.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2013] [Revised: 12/02/2013] [Accepted: 12/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Environmental stimuli that signal real or potential threats to homeostasis lead to glucocorticoid secretion by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis. Glucocorticoids promote energy redistribution and are critical for survival and adaptation. This adaptation requires the integration of multiple systems and engages key limbic-neuroendocrine circuits. Consequently, glucocorticoids have profound effects on synaptic physiology, circuit regulation of stress responsiveness, and, ultimately, behavior. While glucocorticoids initiate adaptive processes that generate energy for coping, prolonged or inappropriate glucocorticoid secretion becomes deleterious. Inappropriate processing of stressful information may lead to energetic drive that does not match environmental demand, resulting in risk factors for pathology. Thus, dysregulation of the HPA axis may promote stress-related illnesses (e.g. depression, PTSD). This review summarizes the latest developments in central glucocorticoid actions on synaptic, neuroendocrine, and behavioral regulation. Additionally, these findings will be discussed in terms of the energetic integration of stress and the importance of context-specific regulation of glucocorticoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brent Myers
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Jessica M McKlveen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
| | - James P Herman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
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Hauer D, Kaufmann I, Strewe C, Briegel I, Campolongo P, Schelling G. The role of glucocorticoids, catecholamines and endocannabinoids in the development of traumatic memories and posttraumatic stress symptoms in survivors of critical illness. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2013; 112:68-74. [PMID: 24125890 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2013.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2013] [Revised: 10/01/2013] [Accepted: 10/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Critically ill patients are at an increased risk for traumatic memories and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Memories of one or more traumatic events play an important part in the symptom pattern of PTSD. Studies in long-term survivors of intensive care unit (ICU) treatment demonstrated a clear and vivid recall of traumatic experiences and the incidence and intensity of PTSD symptoms increased with the number of traumatic memories present. Preclinical evidence has clearly shown that the consolidation and retrieval of traumatic memories is regulated by an interaction between the noradrenergic, the glucocorticoid and the endocannabinoid system. Critically ill patients in the ICU frequently require treatment with adrenenergic or glucocorticoid drugs and often receive sedative medications; among them propofol is known to influence endocannabinoid signaling. Critical illness could therefore represent a useful model for investigating adrenergic, glucocorticoid as well as endocannabinoid effects on traumatic memory and PTSD development in stressed humans. The endocannabinoid system is an important regulator of HPA-axis activity during stress, an effect which has also been demonstrated in humans. Likewise, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene (the BclI-SNP), which enhances the sensitivity of the glucocorticoid receptors to cortisol and possibly HPA-axis feedback function, was associated with enhanced emotional memory performance in healthy volunteers. The presence of the BclI-SNP increased the risk for traumatic memories and PTSD symptoms in patients after ICU therapy and was linked to lower basal cortisol levels. A number of small studies have demonstrated that the administration of cortisol to critically ill or injured patients results in a significant reduction of PTSD symptoms after recovery without influencing the number of traumatic memories. These glucocorticoid effects can possibly be explained by a cortisol-induced temporary impairment in traumatic memory retrieval which has previously been demonstrated in both rats and humans. The hypothesis that stress doses of glucocorticoids or the pharmacologic manipulation of glucocorticoid-endocannabinoid interaction during traumatic memory consolidation and retrieval could be useful for prophylaxis and treatment of PTSD after critical illness should be tested in larger controlled studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Hauer
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Munich, Campus Grosshadern, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Ines Kaufmann
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Munich, Campus Grosshadern, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Claudia Strewe
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Munich, Campus Grosshadern, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Isabel Briegel
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Munich, Campus Grosshadern, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Patrizia Campolongo
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Munich, Campus Grosshadern, 81377 Munich, Germany; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gustav Schelling
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Munich, Campus Grosshadern, 81377 Munich, Germany.
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